The United Kingdom was the first nation to industrialize and acquire countries around the world. The industrial revolution began in Britain around the mid 1700s. Inventions included the steam engine, the locomotive, the railroad, and more efficient ways of making steel. Later on in the early 1900s one fourth of the worlds land and one fourth of the people followed British customs, laws, and was governed by the UK. The UK is located in the British Isle and is about the size of Oregon. Britain came out of WWII with world power, yet with a horrible economy. Later on after the war, Britain lost its empire, and many of its former colonies gained independence. Before losing its empire, though, the United Kingdom was the wealthiest country in the world. Nevertheless, it still ranks in the top twenty richest countries. The UK is also part of the G8, a collection of the world's eight leading industrialized countries. The UK is located in the North Sea. It is separated from the rest of Europe by the British Channel. The capital of the UK is London and the official language is English. The population is 61,113,205 in the United Kingdom. The UK has many names including the United kingdom, the UK, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Britain, and Great Britain. Nevertheless these names all represent one country.
2. Year of Admission to E.U. History and General Information about the E.U.
The European Union is a super-national organization that unites its member nations. The United Kingdom was admitted to the European Union in 1973. Before 1993 the E.U. was known as the European Community. The E.U. consists of 27 member nations. Statesman Jean Monnet first came up with the idea for a united Europe. Later on in 1950 Robert Schuman proposed a plan that started the European coal and steel community. This was one of the first organizations that led to the creation of the European Community. Later on many treaties were created to establish the European Union. For example, the Maastrischt treaty provided the gradual creation of a single currency. They now use the Euro as their currency. The population of the E.U. is about 500 million and it forms the worlds largest trade bloc.The E.U.'s national holiday is Europe day on May 9. People celebrate the day Robert Schuman proposed the plan for the European coal and steel community. The flag of the European Union is a blue field with 12 gold stars forming a circle in the center, representing the union of the people in Europe.
3. How do the E.U. and your country feel about global temperatures/climate change? (environmental issue)
The United Kingdom feels they need to improve the environment, yet they cannot agree on how to. Some people think the pollution of the UK's bodies of water is so extreme they need to take immediate action. Others are trying to persuade polluters not to make matters worse rather than fining them for doing so. Some people have suggested that the UK build a forest of carbon filtering "trees" across the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom continues to reduce greenhouse gases and has met the Kyoto treaty goal of a 12.5% reduction. By the end of 2010 the UK plans on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. As of 2005 Britain had reduced the amount of commercial and industrial waste by 85% and recycled or composted 25% of household waste.
Click on the link to hear our view!
4. How do the E.U. and your country feel about supporting the war in Afghanistan? (political issue)
The E.U. feels that they are committed to making a secure, stable, free, prosperous, and democratic Afghanistan. The E.U. is one of Afghanistan's biggest donors and right now spends about 1 billion euros a year to help Afghanistan by supporting justice and law and order, stoping narcotic production, and assisting health care. The E.U. is ready to work closely with Afghanistan, the U.S.A. and others to address the issues in Afghanistan. In November of 2005 the E.U. and Afghanistan adopted a joint declaration in which the cooperation between the two increased. The United Kingdom is as well supporting the war in Afghanistan. Britain has the second largest contribution to the war right behind the U.S.A. It also will maintain a strong military force in Afghanistan of around 7,800 people and increase support of these forces.
Click on the link to hear our view!
5. What is the economic background of your country and how does your country feel about supporting the economies of weaker countries in the E.U.? (economic issue)
More that 250 years ago inventors and scientists started the industrial revolution. Coal once maintained the UK's economy, but now oil and natural gas are powering it. The United Kingdom became a net importer of energy in 2005 and it holds the largest portion of the GDP in the E.U. In 2008 a financial crisis hit hard on the country. The United Kingdom has large coal and natural gas resources. Agriculture is licensed and mechanized. Today the UK is a major trading and industrial country. Service industries are growing and becoming a bigger part in the United Kingdom's economy. 1.4% of the UK's population works with agriculture, 18.2% work in industry, and 80.4% work in services. The UK will support weaker countries because the country is prosperous, but once they have gotten back on their feet the UK would like its money back.
Click on the link to hear our view!
3. How do the E.U. and your country feel about global temperatures/climate change? (environmental issue)
Click on the link to hear our view!
4. How do the E.U. and your country feel about supporting the war in Afghanistan? (political issue)
Click on the link to hear our view!
5. What is the economic background of your country and how does your country feel about supporting the economies of weaker countries in the E.U.? (economic issue)
Click on the link to hear our view!